Thasos Maps

Thasos (also spelled Thassos) is the northernmost Greek island, located in the North Aegean Sea close to the mainland coast of Macedonia, just 6 miles from Kavala. The island is nearly circular, covers 147 square miles, and has a population of approximately 13,800 residents. Limenas (or Thasos Town), the capital and main port, is located on the north coast, built on and around the site of the ancient city of Thasos.

The island was wealthy in antiquity due to gold mines and marble quarries, with the ancient city being a major commercial center. Extensive archaeological remains are scattered throughout the modern town, including the Ancient Agora, a theater dating to the 5th century BCE with a spectacular view, remains of ancient walls and gates, and the Archaeological Museum housing significant finds including a colossal kouros. The ancient marble quarries at Aliki on the southeast coast feature carved columns still lying on the site and an early Christian basilica.

Thasos is characterized by lush vegetation, with pine and plane forests covering the mountains and valleys. Mount Ipsario (or Ypsario), the island's highest peak, reaches 3,937 feet. Traditional mountain villages, including Theologos (the medieval capital in the island's center), Panagia, and Potamia, preserve traditional architecture with stone houses and slate roofs, distinctive for the region. The village of Maries on the west coast sits among olive groves and pine forests.

The island has numerous beaches around its entire coastline, including Golden Beach (Chryssi Ammoudia) on the east coast, Paradise Beach on the south, and Makryammos near Limenas. The coastal road circles the island, passing through various settlements and beaches. Thasos remains popular with Greek and Balkan tourists but less internationally known than southern islands. The economy is based on tourism, marble extraction (which continues), olive oil production, and honey. Ferry services connect Thasos to Kavala and Keramoti on the mainland, with very frequent crossings due to the short distance.